March 21, 2018
|
|
Take it up a notch by adding appeal to your patio or deck
By Melinda Myers
 |
|
|
Raised beds and multipurpose potting benches can add both beauty and functionality to your patio or deck.
Photo: Gardener's Supply Company
|
Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends. And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm.
Get the most from this space with a bit of preseason planning and decorating. Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot for you, family and friends to enjoy whenever the weather allows.
First, sketch out the space and measure the dimensions of all furnishings you are considering, making sure they will fit. Allow extra space for people to pull chairs in and out from the table and navigate around furnishings, preferably 3 to 4 feet.
Next, select a table that fits the space and provides ample serving space. An extension table allows you to expand your surface if a few more folks drop by. A round folding table provides space for guests, and it can be stashed against the wall when workspace is needed.
Small- and large-space gardeners will enjoy the benefits of elevated gardens with built-in trellises. These maximize growing space even on a small deck or patio and bring the garden to the party. Look for self-watering planters and especially those with wheels so you can easily move them out of the way of a family gathering or closer to the kitchen for easy harvesting.
Include a multifunctional piece like a potting bench. Look for a versatile and well-built, furniture-quality piece that complements other furnishings and can be used as a serving surface when entertaining. Consider features like a faucet for washing and watering that drains into a bucket or the ground, as well as hooks for hanging tools and baskets and space for storage.
Bring nature to your door and mask unwanted background noise with the soothing sound of water. Wall-mounted and container fountains add the sound and motion of water to even the smallest patios and decks. Watch for colorful winged visitors stopping by for a sip.
Extend your enjoyment into the evening with pleasing outdoor lighting. Make sure the light is deflected and not shining directly into visitors' eyes. Downward facing overhead lights brighten large areas. Use them to illuminate key spaces such as those used for cooking. Strands of lights on structures, ribs of an umbrella or the underside of a bar provide a festive touch.
Use tabletop lighting to create a more intimate mood. Outdoor flameless candles add warmth to your space while a Columbine Solar Lantern adds charm. Look for a style that complements your outdoor décor.
Add pathway lighting to direct guests to the patio or on a stroll through the garden. Solar lighting allows flexibility and eliminates the need for trenching wires to a power source. Think beyond traditional pathway and railing lighting. Strategically placed upward lighting of structures and plants or downward lighting hung from above can also provide needed illumination.
Whatever the size of your patio or deck you can create an inviting outdoor space for gardening and entertaining. Just invest a bit of time planning and shopping for attractive and functional furnishings. Then sit back and relax in your newly decorated space.
|
|
 |
|
Getting ready for spring yard work: Safety Tips to remember
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
The
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, reminds home owners to keep safety in mind when getting out their spring lawn and garden equipment like lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers and more.
"After a long winter, we know that everyone is eager to get outside and start working in their yards. But remember to make safety a priority," said Kris Kiser, President and CEO. "Make sure you're 'backyard ready' by doing some basic maintenance now when we are on the cusp of spring. This will ensure your equipment operates safely and gets the job done."
A good time to assess outdoor power equipment needs is before you need it, adds Kiser. "Whether you need battery, gasoline, propane, diesel, robotic, or hybrid powered equipment, there is a product to fit your needs and that can handle any yard chore."
Before you use a mower, trimmer, blower, chain saw, pruner or other piece of outdoor power equipment this season, OPEI reminds consumers to inspect their equipment, review owner's manuals, and review safety procedures. Here are tips to help:
Get out owner's manuals. Follow all guidelines for outdoor power equipment and familiarize yourself with the controls. Misplaced manuals can be found online (and saved on your computer for future reference).
Inspect equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take equipment to a qualified service representative. Repair shops are busy when spring arrives. Getting equipment serviced before the rush means you'll be ready to get outside right away.
Drain old fuel. Fuel should not sit in your equipment's tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and even damage to the fuel system. "Old" fuel should be drained and removed, and then newly-purchased fuel should be added.
Only use E10 or less fuel. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but any fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage - and is illegal to use - in small engine equipment not designed for it.
Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. Never put "old" gas in outdoor power equipment. If you don't know the date of purchase, dispose safely of the fuel in the can and buy fresh fuel.
Clean equipment. Remove dirt, oil or grass stuck to it. A clean machine will run more efficiently and last longer.
Set expectations with your family and pets. It's been a long winter for them too, and they may want to be outside while you are doing yard work. But while outdoor power equipment is in use, the safest place for kids and pets is inside your home and under the supervision of a responsible adult. Talk with your family about safety and remind them to follow procedures.
|
|
The Compost Heap
Biochar
"I read the article on biochar in the March 7
Texas Gardener's Seeds," writes
Doc Stalker. "My particular concern regarding many writings by biochar proponents is their apparent reluctance to indicate the product's average pH. One author did write: '
Raising soil pH has been identified as biochar's most important contribution to influencing soil quality in the context of Terra Preta
' (http://www.biochar.org/joomla/images/stories/SteinerPhDSummary.pdf).
"The Washington State University Extension Fact Sheet, 'Biochar, A Home Gardener's Primer,' warns: 'Gardeners should be cautious when using biochar, however. Application of too much biochar can injure plants, possibly by increasing soil alkalinity past the plant's tolerance level.'
"While the property of biochar to increase soil alkalinity might be welcome news for folks gardening in East Texas and the Amazon, it is not a beneficial characteristic for West Texas gardeners struggling with native alkaline soils."
|
Gardening tips
We have passed the likelihood of a late freeze in many parts of the state, so it is time to start planting warm-season annual ornamentals in the landscape. Zinnias and sunflowers are two that are easy to grow from seed and great to grow if you have children interested and involved. Huisache daisy is another one of our favorites. It is a wonderful native annual that produces yellow blooms that smell like new cut hay. It is often a reliable re-seeder. You won't find it at the grocery store, but you should be able to find it nurseries that specialize in native plants or Native American Seed in Junction.
Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share?
Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in
Seeds, we will send you a copy of
Texas Gardene
r's 2018 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at:
Garde
ning Tips.
|
Upcoming garden events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
|
|
MARCH
La Marque: "Fig Tree Pruning and Propagation", with Galveston County Master Gardener Terry Cuclis presenting, 9:00-10:00 a.m.,
March 22, in the Galveston County Master Gardener Discovery Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque, TX 77568. Bring your gardening gloves. Ph 281-534-3413; email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free.
Tomball: Dr. Dave Creech, SFASU, will present "Best Trees for the Gulf South," Thursday,
March 22, 10 a.m., at
The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball.
With all climate models predicting a hotter and drier Gulf South with more weather extremes (longer drought spells, heavier rain events and more violent thunderstorms), perhaps it's a great idea to rethink our woody ornamental palette. What are the most promising trees for a 21st century Texas? Dr. Creech has been evaluating trees for most of his career and he will recount those that surprise and delight under the demands of a changing world. For additional information, call 281-351-8851 or visit
www.arborgate.com.
Bonham: Fannin County Master Gardeners 2018 Garden, Lawn and Home Expo, Saturday, March 24, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Bonham Civic Center (former Armory Bldg.) 1100 W 5th St. Hwy 121 & Hwy 56, Bonham. Speakers: 9:00 a.m., Michael Cook, Denton Co. Viticulture Specialist, Topic "Backyard Viticulture: Growing Grapes in North Texas"; 11:00 a.m., Steve Chamblee, Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, Topic "Texas Tough 50"; 1:00 p.m., Steve Chamblee, Topic "Great Garden Ideas"; 2:00 p.m. Janet Rowe, The Bee Charmer, Topic "Hobby Bee Keeping." For additional information, email: fannin@ag.tamu.edu or phone 903-583-7453.
Burnet: The Highland Lakes Master Gardeners will present their 20th Annual Lawn & Garden Show at the Burnet Community center, 401 Jackson St., Burnet,
March 24, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free family event has variety of native, exotic plants, herbs flowers and vegetables. Demonstrations throughout the day on many garden techniques. The show features children activities, a quilt raffle, silent auction and food for purchase. For more information, contact Irene Daphin at 254-498-6009.Vendors contact Roxanne Dunegan at 512-756-9396.
Conroe
: Saturday, March 24
, Spring Plant Sale. Presentation 8:00 a.m., sale 9:00 a.m. until noon. Get your spring "yardening" needs! Don't forget your wagon. On sale are varieties that will do well in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe
. For more info, call 936-539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
Dallas: Butterfly Gardening Workshop,
March 24, from 9:30 a.m.-noon, at
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
, Fair Park at Gate 6, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
If you plant it, they will come! Discover how easy it is to attract native butterflies with Horticulture Director Roger Sanderson and Entomologist John Watts. Take home a starter flat of host and nectar plants. $60, $48/members. For additional information, visit TexasDiscoveryGardens.org.
Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardeners' Spring Plant Sale will be held Saturday, March 24, in
Downtown Gonzales, Texas Heroes Square, St. Louis and St. Joseph Streets, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vegetables, herbs, roses, annual and perennial plants, succulents, cacti, houseplants and hanging baskets available for purchase. Activities include "Ask the Gardener" booth to answer gardening questions, and the silent auction as well as gardening activities for the children. New this year is a plant give away starting at 11 a.m. to close. Must be present to win. Proceeds from the event go to gardening education for the school children, adult education programs and other community projects. For more information, please contact Fran Saliger at 830-672-2953.
Huntsville: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, Saturday, March 24, 8:00-2:00, on the grounds of the beautifully restored Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. Herb plants galore; pollinator plants; vegetables, kitchen, garden and herbal vendors; gardening and culinary demonstrations; music; children's crafts; artists and more! Free admission. The Wynne Home will be open to visitors. For information, call 936-891-5024.
Marshall: The Harrison County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Tractor Supply parking lot, 105 N. East End Blvd. (US 59), Marshall. Plant selection will include plants grown by the Master Gardeners and plants grown by professional growers specifically for our sale. The sale will feature annuals and perennials for both sun and shade, vegetables, herbs, roses, hanging baskets, succulents, pass-along plants, thornless blackberries, and fig trees. There will be door prize drawings every 15 minutes, and every customer gets a free milkweed plant. Help us save the Monarch Butterfly! Bring a wagon and come early for best selection. Proceeds are used to fund educational projects of the Harrison County Master Gardeners, including programs at local schools and libraries, a scholarship for a graduating senior majoring in a horticultural field, Farm-City Week scholarship, membership fees for 4-H students, and other community outreach programs. For more information, call 903-935-8413.
Nacogdoches: Join charming fairies for a delightful Little Princess Tea Party with treats, music and merriment among the enchanting pines and azaleas at either 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., March 24, in the Ruby M. Mize Asalea Garden at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. Wear princess or fairy apparel and enjoy a magical day in the garden. Recommended for princesses aged 3-10 accompanied by an adult. $30 are per person and can be reserved online at sfagardens.sfasu.edu. For more information, call 936-468-1832 email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association will hold their Annual Bloomin' Crazy Plant Fair, March 24, 8:00 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. All types of plants will be available, including bedding plants, Texas SuperStars, citrus, avocados, blueberries, roses, succulents, trees, shrubs and many more types. Potential vendors and attendees can find more information at
https://txmg.org/orange.
Tomball: Dr. Bill Welch, TAMU, and Chris Wiesinger, The Southern Bulb Co., will present The Southern Heirloom Landscape at Saturday,
March 24, 10 a.m. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or hire a professional, think about landscape design as a process to bring order into your property. Dr. Welch and Chris will guide you through an array of southern heirlooms for color and charm.
For additional information, call 281-351-8851 or visit
www.arborgate.com.
Waxahachie: Ellis County Master Gardeners 2018 Lawn & Garden Expo will take place
March 24. Located at Waxahachie Convention Center at I-35 and US 287 in Waxahachie, the annual event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a Master Gardener Plant Sale and 100+ vendors sell plants and other garden and outdoor related items. There will be workshops in the morning featuring Val Nolen "Solving the Mystery of Tomatoes and Peppers, 10:00 am. Afternoon workshops will include: 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. - Roses & Companion Planting; Ollas; Garden Design; Seed Saving; 2:30 p.m.,-4:00 p.m. - Herbs & Edible Flowers. There will be a children's workshop and multitude of other activities. For more information contact Arlene Hamilton at
a.p.hamilton@att.net. Interested vendors should contact James Kocian at
expo.ecmga@gmail.com.
Tomball: Angela Chandler, The Garden Academy, and Matt and Kelly Brantley, BZ Honey, will present "Bee Forum," Sunday,
March 25, 11 a.m.
See what all the buzz is about. If you're a new beekeeper, come talk about what needs to be done to prepare your hives for winter. If you're starting hives next year, come talk about hive types, equipment, and timelines for ordering your bees. The Beekeepers will cover both Langstroth and Top Bar hive types. If you're not interested in keeping bees, but want pollinators in your garden, presenters will also talk about plant selections and pesticide use.
For additional information, call 281-351-8851 or visit
www.arborgate.com.
Tyler:
The Smith County A&M AgriLife Extension Office will host a private landscape tour Tuesday, March 27, from 9:00-noon in the beautiful garden of Guy and Joan Pyron, located in the Azalea District, 212 W. Dobbs St. Tyler, Texas. The personally guided tour will be led by current Smith County horticulturist and Texas Gardener Contributing Editor Greg Grant, and retired Smith County horticulturist Keith Hansen. Both are professional horticulturists and garden writers with master's degrees in horticulture and many years of gardening experience. This one-of-a-kind walking tour will not only showcase the Pyron's spectacular spring garden but will also include specific information focusing on plants of East Texas along with their requirements and care. Pre-registration is required with attendance limited to 30 people due to the size of the garden. Cost of the tour is $15 and is payable in advance at the Smith County Extension office or the day of the tour. Parking is available at the First Presbyterian Church parking lot or on the street. The tour is sponsored by the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Environmental Education Committee. To register or for more information contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-590-2980.
Tomball: Jeremy Kollaus, Swiss Alp Growers, will present "
Want to Grow Veggies? Where, What, and When to Plant!" Wednesday,
March 28, Noon-1:00 p.m. at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball.
From seed to table, Kollaus will share his knowledge and experience on producing a bountiful harvest.
For more information, visit arborgate.com.
|
APRIL
Navasota: "Fun with Flowers" Annual Flower Show. Mavis Anderson will present "A Glimpse into the Navasota Garden Club History" at Smith Home, 816 Holland Street, Navasota, at 10:00 a.m.
April 4. Visitors welcome.
Houston: "Save That Rose for Next Week!" is the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday,
April 12, 7:00 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavillon, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. Diane Sommers will present the program. Diane is a Master Rosarian from Wisconsin, a Horticultural and Arrangement Judge. She has been the recipient of many ARS awards and active in local rose societies and committees in the American Rose Society. Diane is a candidate for American Rose Society vice president in 2018. She will discuss the technique of drywrapping roses. This technique helps the rosarian save beautiful roses for a special event when they have bloomed too soon. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for social time and refreshments. Free admission. For more information, visit
http://www.houstonrose.org.
Tyler: Master Gardeners at the Library,
April 13, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. "Pass Along Plants" with Smith County Master Gardener, Andie Rathbone. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information visit
www.txmg.org/smith or call 903-590-2980.
Cleburne: Johnson County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale,
April 14, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Held in the Sheriff's Posse White House. 1315 S. Main, Cleburne. Plants of North Texas; Tomatoes & Peppers, Herbs, Perennials, Annuals, Roses & Shrubs. Cash or Checks only.
Sealy: Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association Annual Plant Sale, Saturday,
April 14, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Santa Fe Museum, 211 E. Main St., Sealy. The plant sale is held in conjunction with Sealy's Spring Fest. There will be unique and boutique plants, Texas Super Stars, Earth-Kind varieties, annuals and perennials. There will be a Micro Greens demonstration at 10:00 a.m. Master Gardeners will share rainwater harvesting tips and help you decide what plant is best to take home. Micro green kits, rain barrels and garden gloves will also be on sale. Proceeds from a silent auction helps fund the BMGA Scholarships. For more information, visit
www.bluebonnetmastergardener.org or email Renee Kofman at
renee@ircsurplus.com.
Tyler: The Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Environmental Horticultural Committee will host a spring landscape seminar Saturday, April 14, from 9:00 a.m.-noon at the HUB, 304 E Ferguson St, Tyler. Bob Byers, Director, Fort Worth Botanic Garden will present "Imagining a Better Garden; Easy Concepts for Understanding Landscape Design" while Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant will cover choosing plants for your East Texas garden. Byers holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University. He worked professionally in Wisconsin, Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas before joining the staff the Fort Worth Botanic Garden in 2015. Byers has published articles in a number of regional and national publications and presented programs at state, national and international conferences. Grant is author of six gardening books, including Texas Home Landscaping and The Rose Rustlers, and is a Texas Gardener contributing editor. He has degrees in floriculture and horticulture, both from Texas A&M University and has worked for Louisiana State University and Stephen F. Austin State University. Grant introduced a number of successful plants to the nursery industry and was awarded the Lynn Lowery Memorial Award by the Native Plant Society of Texas for horticultural achievement in the field of Texas native plants. Registration is encouraged. The cost is $15 payable in advance at the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office (1517 W. Front St., Suite Rm 116) or at the door. The program is sponsored by the Smith County Environmental Education Committee. For more information contact 903-590-2980 or for more information on local educational programming, visit smith.agrilife.org.
Tomball: Skip Richter, Texas Gardener contributing editor, will present Summer Color in the Landscape, Wednesday, April 25, Noon-1:00 p.m., at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Landscape color options are plentiful in the spring but in summer our landscapes often become a "sea of green." Richter will discuss some of the best plant options for maintaining a beautiful, colorful landscape in the hot summer months. For more information, visit arborgate.com.
|
MAY
Navasota: "50th Celebration of the founding of the Navasota Garden Club" First Baptist Church, 300 Church Street, Navasota. Business Meeting 9:30-10:30 a.m. Celebration 11:00 to 12:30 "Come and Go." May 2. Visitors and former members welcome.
|
Monthly meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Kaufman:
The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the
first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit
http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.
Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the
first Wednesday of each month at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at
bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the
first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit
www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
Midland/Odessa: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the
first Wednesday of each month, lternating between the Midland and Ector County's Extensions Offices. For more information about location, call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the
first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 300 Church Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door at the North entrance. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the
first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit
www.allengardenclub.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the
first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit
http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth:
The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the
first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit
http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org
for more information.
New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the
first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Peckerwood Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more information, visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at
tom@deerfield-abbey.org.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the
second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email
stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email
prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email
wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit
www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/
or contact
guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the
second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail
quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton:
The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month
. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit
http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the
second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview:
The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second
Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit
www.rockportherbs.or
g and
http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the
second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or
txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit
http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the
second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit
http://txmg.org/orange
for more information.
Pasadena
: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the
second Thursday of each month
at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information,
visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the
second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit
www.sanantonioherbs.org.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the
second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the
second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit
http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the
second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the
second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the
second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit
www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at
LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne:
The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the
third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the
GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit
http://txmg.org/comal/.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or
blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the
third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860.
New Braunfels:
The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at
6:30 pm
at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker
and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and
visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.
Note
: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the
third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail
aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the
third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the
third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the
third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit
www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the
third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit
http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the
third Thursday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Lind Spivey, Corresponding Secretary at
spivey209@hotmail.com.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the
third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email
boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 605 E 2nd St, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses after the business meeting. Visitors are welcome. Please email Sharon Harrigan at
sharonspetals@yahoo.com for more information.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) at the Houston SArboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park (4501 Woodway Dr.). For more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit
http:/npsot.org/wp/Houston.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the
third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a free presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1-3:30 p.m. Check
http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the
third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts the Evening at Peckerwood Lecture series at 7 p.m. on the
third Friday of each month. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10, $5 for members.For more information, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
FOURTH WEEK
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every
fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the
fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at
brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the
fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at
khtromza@yahoo.com.
Fort Worth: The Organic Garden Club of Forth Worth meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of each month except July and December at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Blvd., Ft. Worth. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 817-263-9322 or visit
www.ogcfw.webs.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email
npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Wednesday of each month at the Cherie Flores Pavilion in McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. For more information, contact
hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit
http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander:
The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com .
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the
fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit
h
ttp://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit
www.gdogc.org.
Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, holds an Open Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Tours start at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. $10, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
|
Texas Gardener digital edition available-Only $19.95 per year (digital only) or $9 per year if you tack it on to your print subscription!
Same magazine as our print edition without the paper and at a better price. Fully compatible with your desktop, laptop, iPad or Tablet. Access Texas Gardener anywhere, anytime: at the office, home, vacation, even in the garden. Easy to use with robust features and fully searchable archive as long as your subscription is active. Click on this link to explore your options
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/productlisting.aspx?id=4
2018 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping)
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2018. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2018 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
- Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
- Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
- Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
- Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
Easy Gardening for Texas
By Joseph G. Masabni
Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)
Gardening in the Lone Star State has unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables here. This new book tells what varieties are best, how to handle insect and disease problems, and how to control weeds with a minimum of work, plus detailed growing information on a host of vegetables that do well in Texas. This is the perfect guide for gardeners new to the state as well as those more-experienced gardeners looking for a handy guide of research-tested advice. 220 pages with lots of color photos! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=126.
Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett
Only $29.75 (includes tax, shipping)
Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on! Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=123
Garden Design Bible
By Tim Newbury
Only $26.59 (includes tax, shipping)
Like having your own landscape architect and contractor at your constant disposal without the cost. Whatever your desire the Garden Design Bible has a plan that you can adapt to your own space. Choose from 40 designs, or mix and match elements from several to create your own ideal garden. Over 100 color photos and illustrations. If you have the space and need inspiration and direction, let the Garden Design Bible be your guide! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/productlisting.aspx?id=1
|
|
|
|
|
